In a significant military move, President Vladimir Putin has ordered a mobilization of 160,000 men aged 18-30, marking the largest conscription since 2011, as he aims to bolster Russia's military forces. This call-up follows Putin's earlier statement advocating an increase in the military's overall strength to almost 2.39 million personnel, planning for an increase of 180,000 active servicemen over the next three years. Despite Vice Adm. Vladimir Tsimlyansky asserting that new recruits would not be deployed to Ukraine, past incidents suggest otherwise, leading to concerns over the fate of these conscripts.
**Putin Initiates Major Military Call-Up Amid Ongoing Conflict**
**Putin Initiates Major Military Call-Up Amid Ongoing Conflict**
Russia's president mobilizes 160,000 young conscripts, the largest since 2011, to boost military forces amid ongoing tensions with Ukraine.
The current draft, occurring from April to July, unfolds amidst intensified conflict in Ukraine. The ongoing violence continues to impact civilians, with reports indicating a recent Russian attack on a power facility that left thousands without electricity. Russia's response to ceasefire proposals, particularly from the U.S., has been largely dismissive, yet officials insist that they have respected agreements concerning energy infrastructure, despite the chaos persisting on the ground.
This draft represents an increase from previous years, with conscription numbers rising due to the age limit being extended from 27 to 30. As alternative civilian service options become increasingly popular among young Russians seeking to avoid conscription, experts highlight the unpredictable nature of military recruitment under current conditions, likening it to a lottery system as new strategies for personnel acquisition develop.
Furthermore, Russia's military expansion is also being fueled by a notable influx of contract soldiers and recruits from other nations, including North Korea. These actions come amidst reported heavy losses in Ukraine, with over 100,000 Russian soldiers thought to have been killed since the conflict escalated, a number believed to be much higher according to independent sources.
This military demographic increase occurs parallel to significant shifts within NATO, which has expanded to include Finland and Sweden. In light of perceived threats from Russia, Finland has raised its defense spending to 3% of GDP and is reconsidering the use of anti-personnel mines, echoing similar moves by neighboring states.
All these developments suggest an ongoing escalation of military engagements in the region, where both sides remain entrenched in their strategic pursuits, underscoring the urgency for diplomatic resolutions amid rising tensions.
This draft represents an increase from previous years, with conscription numbers rising due to the age limit being extended from 27 to 30. As alternative civilian service options become increasingly popular among young Russians seeking to avoid conscription, experts highlight the unpredictable nature of military recruitment under current conditions, likening it to a lottery system as new strategies for personnel acquisition develop.
Furthermore, Russia's military expansion is also being fueled by a notable influx of contract soldiers and recruits from other nations, including North Korea. These actions come amidst reported heavy losses in Ukraine, with over 100,000 Russian soldiers thought to have been killed since the conflict escalated, a number believed to be much higher according to independent sources.
This military demographic increase occurs parallel to significant shifts within NATO, which has expanded to include Finland and Sweden. In light of perceived threats from Russia, Finland has raised its defense spending to 3% of GDP and is reconsidering the use of anti-personnel mines, echoing similar moves by neighboring states.
All these developments suggest an ongoing escalation of military engagements in the region, where both sides remain entrenched in their strategic pursuits, underscoring the urgency for diplomatic resolutions amid rising tensions.
